A new campaign to encourage people to call 999 if they spot early signs of a heart attack has been launched by the NHS.
The campaign is set to run from 14th February to 31st March and will show the public common symptoms of a heart attack including sweating, uneasiness, and chest tightness.
A poll of the public has shown that less than half of people would call 999 if they or a loved one was experiencing less well-known symptoms of heart attacks.
NHS medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: “Sadly, cardiovascular disease causes a quarter of all deaths across the country and we have identified this as the single biggest area where we can save lives over the next decade.
“This new NHS campaign will be a vital tool in that lifesaving mission – helping people to recognise when they or someone around them is experiencing a heart attack and when to seek early medical help cannot be underestimated.
“It can be easy to dismiss early symptoms as they don’t always feel severe, but it is never too early to dial 999 in this circumstance – and the faster you act, the better the chance of a full recovery”.
In England, there are over 80,000 hospital heart attack admissions each year, with a survival rate of seven in 10, increasing to nine in 10 for those who come forward for early hospital treatment.
The NHS research also showed that whilst 70 percent of those who were surveyed knew that chest pain was a sign of having a heart attack, only 41 percent knew sweating was also a symptom and furthermore, only 27 percent understood feeling weak, lightheaded or experiencing a sense of uneasiness were also all symptoms.
Professor Nick Linker, consultant cardiologist and NHS national clinical director for heart disease, said: “These survey findings present what is a familiar picture to NHS cardiology colleagues.
“Often people don’t realise they’re having a heart attack, either because they don’t recognise the early signs, or because they don’t consider them severe enough to trouble the NHS.
“But make no mistake, a heart attack is a medical emergency, and it’s never too early to call 999 and describe your symptoms”.
In the 1960s, more than seven out of 10 heart attacks were fatal in the UK but now it is estimated than 1.1 million people living in England today have survived a heart attack.
Maria Caulfield, Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care said: “Thousands of deaths can be prevented with earlier treatment if people recognise the symptoms of a heart attack.
“With this new lifesaving NHS campaign, the first of its kind to highlight the symptoms of heart attacks, we’re urging people to call 999 if they experience any of the warning signs.
“Don’t delay if you spot the signs, it could save your life”.
